New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern awaits his first child

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the youngest female leader in the world when she took office in October, is expecting her first child in June.

Ardern, 37, and his partner Clarke Gayford announced the pregnancy in a statement Friday in Wellington, saying the couple wanted a family "but they told us we would need help to make that happen". That made this news a fantastic surprise. "

The leader of the Labor Party won applause at the beginning of the election campaign for dismissing questions about whether she intended to become a mother, saying it was unacceptable for women to have They answer that question in the workplace, she said today that the couple is lucky that Gayford can stay at home to be the primary caregiver when parents juggle the care of their new babies.

" It's amazing to hear that Jacinda Ardern and her partner are negotiating care and career, "said Gill Greer, Executive Director of the National Women's Council of Wellington." We would like to see every woman in New Zealand having the option of having a family and a career. , or both, without prejudice or judgment "

Read Bloomberg's November interview with Jacinda Ardern here

Ardern said he knew for the first time After her pregnancy on October 13, in the midst of talks to form a coalition government after an inconclusive general election in September. She will take a six-week recess after birth, during which time Vice Premier Winston Peters will be the acting leader.

"Peters will act as prime minister, working with my office while still being in contact with me," said Ardern. . "I fully intend to be contactable and available for the six-week period when necessary." At the end of my leave, I will resume all ministerial duties. "

Ardern turned to support the Labor Party after being elected leader on August 1, less than eight weeks after the September 23 election, and awoke the media dubbed "Jacinda-mania" with its appeal to younger voters and their promises to address social issues.

She was asked about motherhood a few hours after becoming a Labor leader, saying that it is a dilemma many women face and that "you just received every day as presented", adding that it was "totally unacceptable in 2017" say that women should answer that question in the workplace. "

Although the Labor Party won only 37% of the votes and was left behind with 44%, Ardern was able to negotiate a coalition with the New Zealand Party of Peters and obtain a secure backing of the Greens in the talks that ended with the government's announcement on October 19. She took office as prime minister on October 10. 26.